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Physics and Astronomy Hosts Transit of Venus Viewing

Published:Monday, May 21, 2012

The Benedictine College The Physics and Astronomy Department will be hosting a viewing of the transit of Venus occurring on Tuesday, June 5th. During this event, the planet Venus will pass in front of the sun, causing it to appear as a dark spot on the sun's face. Special equipment is needed to safely view the transit, so we will have a telescope with a solar filter set up behind Westerman Hall (on the side facing the softball field) from 5:00 pm until at least 7:30 pm. Feel free to stop by for as short or long a time as you like during those hours. The next transit of Venus will not be happening until December of 2117, so if you miss this one, you'll have to wait awhile for the next one. If you have any questions, please contact Eric Fox-Linton at elinton@benedictine.edu. This viewing is free and open to the public. Note, the viewing cannot take place if the sun is obscured by clouds, but in the case of inclement weather, we will monitor the sky throughout the evening of the 5th and try to have the telescope set up whenever it is clear between 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm.